Saka Dawa - Refuge, 24 hour Precepts - Thursday May 27

Saka Dawa is the entire fourth month of the Tibetan calendar. The seventh day of Saka Dawa (full moon) is the date of the historical Buddha's birth for Tibetans, however the Buddha's birth, enlightenment and entry into Nirvana are all observed together on the 15th day of Saga Dawa, called Saga Dawa Duchen.

This is the single most important holiday for Tibetan Buddhism, usually observed with pilgrimages and other visits to temples and shrines. 

As cited by Lama Zopa Rinpoche in the Vinaya text Treasure of Quotations and Logic, virtuous actions done on this day are multiplied one hundred million times.

5.30 am 24 Hour Precepts

Buddha House will be celebrating Saka Dawa by offering the opportunity of taking the 8 Mahayana Precepts for the day, before dawn. The 8 precepts are to not kill, steal, lie, take any type of intoxicant, sexual activity, eat after noon, sit or sleep on an elaborate bed or chair, wear jewelry, perfume, ornaments etc. The aim is to develop mindfulness of ones body, speech and mind over the 24 hour period.

6 am Refuge Ceremony

The Precepts ceremony will be followed by an opportunity to take Refuge. This is for people who want to take Refuge in the Buddhist Path (Buddha, Dharma and Sangha) with Geshe Pema Tsering. Those who are taking Refuge will also receive an explanation of the 5 lay vows before deciding which vows they will take for the duration of this life. Taking refuge is a very special moment for participants and has been requested by a number of people who want to become Buddhists. No fee to attend the Refuge ceremony; however an offering to Geshe-la when receiving his blessing is appropriate.

7 pm Guru Puja with Geshe Pema Tsering

Join the Buddha House community to celebrate this most auspicious day. (See details about Guru Puja’s under that topic.)